Savannah Morning News | STEVE REEDhttp://savannahnow.com/sms/taxonomy/term/85763/
enNFL: Panthers' Gettleman looks to make it 3 straight playoffs http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-07-29/nfl-panthers-gettleman-looks-make-it-3-straight-playoffs
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<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There were some questions when Panthers owner Jerry Richardson hired Dave Gettleman as the team’s new general manager in 2013.</p>
<p>Although Gettleman had worked in the NFL for 27 years — mostly with the New York Giants — he’d never held a position with ultimate power over personnel decisions or managed an NFL salary cap.</p>
<p>But so far, so good for Gettleman.</p>
<p>The Panthers have won back-to-back NFC South championships in his first two seasons.</p>
<p>Gettleman believes the team is positioned well to make a deeper playoff push as they report to training camp today at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.</p>
<p>Despite inheriting a team $16 million over the NFL salary cap two seasons ago, Gettleman has found a way to limit spending while keeping the team competitive. That has meant cutting some popular players, including the team’s all-time leader receiver Steve Smith and all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams, and signing low-cost free agents.</p>
<p>“I can’t be emotional. I can’t,” Gettleman said. “That doesn’t mean I’m unfeeling, but I have to make business decisions. It’s not easy. But I’m being paid to make tough decisions — and I have had to make some tough ones.”</p>
<p>He’s had some swing and misses for sure, but for the most part the Panthers have drafted well under Gettleman and hit on some free-agent role players that have improved the team’s overall depth.</p>
<p>Having cleared some salary cap space from the books, Gettleman turned his attention this offseason to extending the contracts of three of his so-called “core players” — quarterback Cam Newton, tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Thomas Davis.</p>
<p>Newton’s contract — a five-year extension worth more than $100 million — was the most lucrative ever given to a Carolina player.</p>
<p>Gettleman quickly let it be known there are expectations that come along with such a deal, publicly proclaiming Newton is the guy who can get the Panthers to the “Promised Land.”</p>
<p>The Panthers have never won a Super Bowl in 20 seasons.</p>
<p>“The signings this offseason sent a message that if you are productive and the right kind of guy. ... that hey, culture is very important to us,” Gettleman said. “If we don’t have the right culture downstairs (in the locker room), then we don’t turn it around when we are 3-8-1 last year.”</p>
<p>The Panthers fell into a funk last year following a 2-0 start, winning just one game in two months before rebounding to win five of their final six games including a home playoff win over Arizona.</p>
<p>Gettleman said the leadership of the veteran players carried the team through when injuries forced them to start seven rookies at times.</p>
<p>“The steady hand of those veterans helped us through the rough patch, and I think they have continued that this offseason,” Gettleman said. “We have those types of guys.”</p>
<p>With the younger players having experienced playing team, the Panthers expect to better prepared to compete with the two-time defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks.</p>
<p>That mission starts today.</p>
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<p node="hl2"><strong>Rivera’s plans </strong></p>
<p>Coach Ron Rivera plans to be at Wofford College when players report to training camp, but could miss some practices following the death of his brother. Rivera posted on Twitter that his brother Mickey, 56, died on Wednesday following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Mickey Rivera lived in Reno, Nevada.</p>
<p>Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said Rivera’s plans remain fluid because funeral arrangements are still being finalized. The Panthers start practice Friday and their first day off isn’t until Tuesday.</p>
<p>Rivera also posted a picture of he and Mickey on Twitter and wrote, “He was one of my 1st &amp; best teammates. Love u bro.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-07-29/nfl-panthers-gettleman-looks-make-it-3-straight-playoffs#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDBusinessCharlotteThe Associated PressBusinessCam NewtonCam NewtonDave GettlemanDeAngelo WilliamsEmployment RelationFamily Relationgeneral managerJerry RichardsonJerry RichardsonMickey RiveraNational Football LeagueNational Football LeagueNew York GiantsNFC SouthNFC SouthNFLNorth CarolinaPerson AttributesPerson CareerQuotationRon RiveraRon RiveraSouth CarolinaSTEVE SMITHSteve Smiththe NFLUSDWofford CollegeWofford CollegeWed, 29 Jul 2015 22:19:45 +0000STEVE REED1099650 at http://savannahnow.com'TIME TO SHINE': Trice leads Michigan State over Virginia again 60-54 http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-22/time-shine-trice-leads-michigan-state-over-virginia-again-60-54
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14230364.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="241" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14230365.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="199" /></div></p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Travis Trice received a text message Sunday from Golden State Warriors forward and former Michigan State player Draymond Green that read: “Don’t let this be your last game.”</p>
<p>The Spartans’ senior guard texted back, “It won’t.”</p>
<p>Trice made sure of that Sunday, scoring 23 points and helping Michigan State knock second-seeded Virginia out of the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, 60-54.</p>
<p>The 6-foot, 175-pound Trice scored 13 of his team’s first 15 points on 5-of-5 shooting, including three 3-pointers, to help the Spartans build a 15-4 lead.</p>
<p>Branden Dawson added 15 points and nine rebounds for the seventh-seeded Spartans, who advanced to the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in the last eight seasons under coach Tom Izzo. The Spartans will play Oklahoma in Syracuse, N.Y., on Friday.</p>
<p>“Our thing was attack from the get go and get a lead,” said Trice, in his first full season as a starter after three years as a reserve.</p>
<p>“It was his time to shine,” said Dawson, who started playing with Trice in AAU ball.</p>
<p>With top seed Villanova having lost Saturday, it is the first time a No. 1 and 2 seed from the same region didn’t advance to the Sweet 16 since Kentucky and Gonzaga in 2004.</p>
<p>The Cavaliers (30-4), the first Atlantic Coast Conference team to lose after a 9-0 start in the tournament, were led by Anthony Gill’s 11 points and Darion Atkins’ 10 points and 14 rebounds.</p>
<p>Izzo made some defensive tweaks to his game plan after Michigan State’s first-round win over Georgia, and the Spartans (25-11) stole a page from last year’s regional semifinal win by limiting the Cavaliers to 29.8 percent shooting. Virginia finished 2 of 17 from 3-point range.</p>
<p>Izzo said the Spartans “changed what we do” defensively in a day and a half.</p>
<p>Instead of having his guards jump to the ball and give help, Izzo relied more on his big men in the middle to stay disciplined — and not cheat or go for steals — and guard against Virginia’s flare screens.</p>
<p>“We’re just not as talented as we’ve been, so we are always cheating to find a way to get an edge,” Izzo said. “Coaches can tell you what to do, but when muscle memory tells you to do it another way. ... Your focus has to be incredible. And that was incredible focus, if you asked me.”</p>
<p>Last year, the Spartans upset the top-seeded Cavaliers in the regional semifinal by holding Virginia to 35.1 percent shooting.</p>
<p>While Trice was beating them up and down the court and making 3s, the Cavaliers opened the game 2 of 10 from the field and could never get on track offensively.</p>
<p>“They are so good defensively that any start like that is costly,” Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett said.</p>
<p>The Cavaliers finished the first half shooting just 26.7 percent (8 of 30) from the field.</p>
<p>Virginia cut the lead to two to start the second half behind two quick baskets by Justin Anderson. But the Spartans countered with a 12-2 run led by Dawson, who had seven points during the stretch, including a three-point play off a fast-break dunk.</p>
<p>Down six points, Atkins picked up his fourth foul with 8:36 left on what replays showed to be a clean block on Gavin Schilling and was forced to go to the bench, which served to be a momentum swing.</p>
<p>Virginia battled back to within five after Atkins returned to the game, but Trice knocked down a clutch 28-footer with 1 second left on the shot clock to put the Spartans up 52-44 with 3 minutes to play.</p>
<p>“That was a dagger 3,” Bennett said. “It was an NBA 3. ... When you have a guy like Trice making those shots down the stretch, that is what makes you advance in this tournament.”</p>
<p>It wasn’t exactly the play Izzo wanted, but he said sometimes good players improvise.</p>
<p>“It was one of those, ‘Oh no... nice shot,’ type of deals,” Izzo said.</p>
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<p node="hl2"><strong>Tip-ins </strong></p>
<p>Michigan State: Won despite shooting 20 of 33 from the free-throw line. ... Led for more than 38 minutes of the game.</p>
<p>Virginia: Outrebounded Michigan State 39-32. ... Finished 18 of 26 from the free-throw line. ... London Perrantes and Anderson were a combined 4 of 17 from the field.</p>
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<p node="hl2"><strong>Tough finish </strong></p>
<p>Virginia finished with its second straight 30-win season, a school record. But the Cavaliers fell earlier than expected once again in the NCAA Tournament despite spending most of the season ranked in the top five in the country.</p>
<p>“It just leaves that feeling that you wish you could have taken it further,” Bennett said. “But it doesn’t take away when all the dust settles what was accomplished, and we give thanks for that. But we can certainly learn from what took place.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-22/time-shine-trice-leads-michigan-state-over-virginia-again-60-54#commentsSportsLatest NewsSTEVE REEDBusinessCharlotteSyracuseThe Associated PressAnthony GillAtlantic Coast ConferenceBasketballBranden DawsonBusinesscoachDraymond GreenDraymond GreenforwardGeorgiaGolden State WarriorsguardKentuckyMichiganNew YorkNorth CarolinaOklahomaPerson CareerplayerQuotationShooting guardsSportsSports in the United Statesthe NCAA tournamentTom IzzoTom IzzoTony BennettTravis TriceVirginiaSun, 22 Mar 2015 21:42:04 +0000STEVE REED1087642 at http://savannahnow.comNFL: Greg Hardy is eligible to sign free-agent contract http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-05/nfl-greg-hardy-eligible-sign-free-agent-contract
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14184593.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="193" /></div></p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers defensive end and soon-to-be free agent Greg Hardy will be allowed to sign a new contract even if he remains on the commissioner’s exempt list.</p>
<p>League spokesman Greg Aiello said Thursday in an email to The Associated Press, “There’s nothing to prevent a player on the Exempt list without a contract from signing a new one.”</p>
<p>NFL free agency begins Tuesday.</p>
<p>However, Hardy’s playing status remains in limbo. He isn’t allowed to actually play until removed from the exempt list, which could prevent teams from going after him in free agency.</p>
<p>Hardy was scheduled to meet with NFL officials Wednesday in New York to discuss his domestic violence case, but no resolution has been announced.</p>
<p>He faces a possible suspension from the league even though his conviction on two counts of domestic violence was dismissed Feb. 9 following a successful appeal.</p>
<p>The NFL has said it is investigating Hardy’s case.</p>
<p>The league unsuccessfully petitioned courts in North Carolina to have evidence from Hardy’s first trial unsealed. Without that evidence, it may be difficult for the league to suspend him.</p>
<p>Hardy made $13.1 million last season as Carolina’s franchise player, but only played in one game.</p>
<p>Hardy is not expected to re-sign with Carolina and could become one of the hottest commodities on the free-agent market.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old Hardy remains in the prime of his career and had 15 sacks in 2013, tying a Panthers franchise record.</p>
<p>Hardy, who is normally active on social media, has not tweeted anything about his meeting with the league.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-03-05/nfl-greg-hardy-eligible-sign-free-agent-contract#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteNEW YORKLeagueThe Associated PressCommissionerConvictiondefensive endGreg AielloGreg HardyGreg HardyHardyNational Football LeagueNational Football LeagueNFLNorth CarolinaPerson CareerplayerQuotationspokesmanThu, 05 Mar 2015 23:44:01 +0000STEVE REED1085993 at http://savannahnow.comAgent: Panthers' Hardy seeking reinstatement from NFL http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-26/agent-panthers-hardy-seeking-reinstatement-nfl
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14166515.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="193" /></div></p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy is seeking immediate reinstatement from the NFL after a federal judge cleared way for Adrian Peterson’s return to the league.</p>
<p>Hardy’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said Thursday, “We are working very closely with the NFLPA on this process.”</p>
<p>Like Peterson, Hardy spent the majority of last season on the commissioner’s exempt list preventing him from playing.</p>
<p>Hardy, 26, was convicted last summer on two counts of domestic violence. He appealed and had both charges dismissed Feb. 9 when his accuser couldn’t be located to testify.</p>
<p>A federal judge opened the door for faster reinstatement of Peterson when he ruled an NFL arbitrator “failed to meet his duty” in a child abuse case against the star running back. U.S. District Judge David Doty overruled NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson’s December denial of Peterson’s appeal.</p>
<p>Doty said the league can’t retroactively apply the standards of its new personal conduct policy to an action by Peterson that happened before the policy was in place.</p>
<p>NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email the ruling on Peterson is “irrelevant” to Hardy’s case.</p>
<p>Hardy “hasn’t been disciplined,” McCarthy said. “There is nothing for him to seek reinstatement from at this point. His case remains under review.”</p>
<p>The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Hardy will become an unrestricted free agent March 10.</p>
<p>The NFL filed a petition in North Carolina court on Feb. 13 to have the protective order lifted from Hardy’s original trial last July in which he was convicted on the two counts of domestic violence. </p>
<p>McCarthy said at the time the league is asking the courts to allow them to inspect and copy all material from the original bench trial.</p>
<p>Doty’s ruling Thursday could be good news for Hardy.</p>
<p>Like Peterson, Hardy’s incident came before NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decided to toughen his stance domestic violence.</p>
<p>The NFL’s new policy calls for a six-game suspension for first-time violations involving assault, sexual assault and domestic violence. Previously, first-time offenders typically received two-game suspensions.</p>
<p>Hardy tied a Carolina franchise record with 15 sacks in 2013 and was named to his first Pro Bowl.</p>
<p>In Hardy’s appeal case, Mecklenburg County district attorney Andrew Murray said that law enforcement had taken “extraordinary” measures to find the woman so that she could testify during the appeal. He said they took surveillance of her new address, attempted to find her at work and tried to contact relatives but couldn’t locate her.</p>
<p>Prosecutors spoke to the woman in October and November and that “during those conversations the victim expressed that she did not want to participate in another trial.”</p>
<p>The Associated Press generally does not name victims of abuse.</p>
<p>The woman testified on July 15 that she was scared of Hardy and worried about her safety if she went to police.</p>
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<p>She also testified that Hardy threw her in the bathroom and later onto a futon filled with guns. She said he placed his hands on her throat and threatened to kill her.</p>
<p>In his testimony, Hardy refuted that accusation.</p>
<p>He testified that he never hit nor threw the accuser, and didn’t threaten her. Hardy said the woman became angry when he wouldn’t have sex with her and he left the room to sleep in the living room.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-02-26/agent-panthers-hardy-seeking-reinstatement-nfl#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDSocial IssuesCharlotteThe Associated PressAdrian PetersonAdrian PetersonAmerican footballAmerican football in the United StatesAndrew MurrayarbitratorArmed AttackBrian McCarthyCommissionerConvictionDavid Dotydefensive endDistrict JudgeDrew RosenhausGreg HardyGreg HardyHarold HendersonJudgeNational Football LeagueNational Football LeagueNFLNorth CarolinaPerson AttributesPerson CareerQuotationrunning backSocial Issuesspokesmanthe NFLThomas HardyUnited StatesFri, 27 Feb 2015 00:51:54 +0000STEVE REED1085334 at http://savannahnow.comNASCAR's Brian Vickers eager to race after heart surgeryhttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-28/nascars-brian-vickers-eager-race-after-heart-surgery
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14088217.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="197" /></div></p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Brian Vickers is eager to get back on the racetrack and prove to everyone he still has what it takes to win Sprint Cup races following emergency open heart surgery last month.</p>
<p>“Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated,” Vickers said Tuesday during NASCAR’s annual media week. “I am still kicking.”</p>
<p>Vickers will miss the first two Cup races as part of his recovery process, but has been given a clean bill of health to begin racing March 8 at Las Vegas. He will drive the No. 55 Aaron’s Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing.</p>
<p>Vickers said doctors told him that three months will be more than enough time for his chest to heal after they were forced to crack open his sternum on Dec. 15 to repair a hole in his heart for a second time.</p>
<p>“I feel great,” said Vickers, a three-time Sprint Cup Series winner who had nine top-10 finishes last season and finished 22nd in the final standings.</p>
<p>The December setback was the third major health scare for Vickers since 2010.</p>
<p>Five years ago he underwent a pair of procedures — one to close a hole in his heart and another to insert a stent into a vein in his left leg. He missed 25 races during the 2010 season. He would miss an additional five races in 2013 after being placed on blood thinners to treat a blood clot in his right calf.</p>
<p>Vickers said the latest procedure was the most traumatic and the toughest to recover from, calling it “painful and extreme.” He briefly contemplated retiring from racing.</p>
<p>“I have had to deal with a lot of these emotions and thoughts several times now,” Vickers said. “Could I ever race again and, if I could, would I want to? ... There was times where I was like, ‘somebody is trying to tell me something.’”</p>
<p>But Vickers said he is driven to win a Sprint Cup championship, and doesn’t want to look back later in life in regret passing up a chance to reach that goal.</p>
<p>Vickers took over as a full-time driver for Michael Waltrip Racing last year after sharing a seat with Mark Martin in 2012 and most of 2013. His only win in 58 races with MWR came at New Hampshire in 2013.</p>
<p>Vickers’ toughness has resonated with the man who writes his checks.</p>
<p>“Not a lot of people have gone through what that young man has gone through,” Waltrip said. “His determination and his desire to be a champion in the Sprint Cup series is something that motivates our whole team.”</p>
<p>Vickers’ latest heart issue came in December when he became ill on the way to a photo shoot. He wound up at Carolinas Medical Center where doctors rushed him into surgery to repair the hole in his heart after his body rejected his artificial patch that was initially used in 2010.</p>
<p>At the time, the 31-year-old Vickers was told he may never race again.</p>
<p>“It was a pretty traumatic event going through that,” Vickers said. “It was the worst of all the medical procedures I have had to face.”</p>
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<p>Through it all, Vickers hasn’t lost his sense of humor.</p>
<p>He sat on stage Tuesday joking with teammate Clint Bowyer about how doctors replaced his heart with that of a lion.</p>
<p>“Yeah, it’s way stronger,” Bowyer cracked.</p>
<p>Waltrip will fill in for Vickers at the Daytona 500, while Brett Moffitt will race the second week at Atlanta.</p>
<p>After that, it’s all Vickers.</p>
<p>He said he has been training feverishly to get healthy. He swam two miles in the pool over the weekend.</p>
<p>He’s primarily focused on strengthening his chest.</p>
<p>“There was a lot of uncertainty going into the surgery,” Vickers said. “Unfortunately I have had to hear that you’ll never go racing again too many times in my life. But I’ve been able to get past that.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-28/nascars-brian-vickers-eager-race-after-heart-surgery#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDHuman InterestCharlotteLas VegasSprintThe Associated PressAuto racingBrian VickersBrian VickersHuman InterestLifeLock.com 400MajorMichael WaltripMichael Waltrip RacingNASCARNASCARNorth CarolinaPerson AttributesPerson LocationPerson TravelQuotationSprint CupSprint Cup SeriesSprint Cup SeriesStock car racingThu, 29 Jan 2015 00:24:45 +0000STEVE REED1082638 at http://savannahnow.comCarolina Panthers teammates want to see Greg Hardy back http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-11/carolina-panthers-teammates-want-see-greg-hardy-back
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<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Defensive end Greg Hardy’s teammates want to see him back in a Carolina Panthers uniform next season.</p>
<p>Hardy was convicted on two counts of domestic violence last July, but is appealing the decision. A jury trial date has not yet been established.</p>
<p>Hardy was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list following the conviction and only played in one game for the Panthers in 2014. He still collected $13.1 million this season as Carolina’s franchise player.</p>
<p>He will become an unrestricted free agent in March.</p>
<p>“A guy of that caliber, we need him,” Panthers cornerback Josh Norman said Sunday as players cleaned out their lockers a day after a season-ending 31-17 loss to Seattle in an NFC divisional playoff game.</p>
<p>“I mean, hands down I would welcome him back, and relish the chance to play with that guy again.”</p>
<p>Norman called Hardy, who had 15 sacks in 2013, a “rock” for the Panthers on defense.</p>
<p>“He’s that guy that takes us to a whole other level,” Norman said.</p>
<p>Norman said he doesn’t condone domestic violence, but said “at the end of the day the man’s got to make a living. He’s got to work. He’s got a job to do.”</p>
<p>Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards also said he wants to see Hardy back in Carolina — even if his conviction isn’t overturned.</p>
<p>“If he pays his dues and serves his time, then he serves his time,” Edwards said.</p>
<p>Norman said he spoke to Hardy on Sunday in the locker room and said the defensive end told him he wants to re-sign with Carolina.</p>
<p>“He even told me he will play for free,” Norman said.</p>
<p>Whether or not owner Jerry Richardson would consider re-signing Hardy remains to be seen. Richardson spoke out against domestic violence in an emotional speech after Hardy was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list last year.</p>
<p>The Panthers (8-9-1) won their second straight NFC South title this season, but their season ended abruptly after a five-game win streak.</p>
<p>It capped a bizarre season that included quarterback Cam Newton fracturing two bones in his back in an automobile wreck, coach Ron Rivera’s house catching fire and Hardy’s conviction.</p>
<p>Things to watch this offseason from the Panthers:</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Newton’s future </strong></p>
<p>The biggest question for the Panthers entering the offseason is addressing Newton’s long-term future. The Panthers picked up the fifth-year option on Newton’s rookie deal earlier this season and are set to pay him $14.6 million in 2015. But the team has said it would like to sign Newton to a long-term contract extension. Newton is 30-31-1 as Carolina’s starting quarterback in the regular season and 1-2 in the postseason.</p>
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<p node="hl2"><strong>For whom Bell tolls </strong></p>
<p>The Panthers found continuity on their offensive line the past seven games of the season with right tackle Mike Remmers and guards Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell seemingly cementing jobs in the future. However, the big question will be what they do at left tackle with Byron Bell, who is set to hit the free agent market. Bell is well liked by coaches, but the Panthers won’t be able to overpay to keep him if they re-sign Newton.</p>
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<p node="hl2"><strong>Secondary first </strong></p>
<p>Russell Wilson was 8 of 8 passing for 177 yards and three touchdowns on third downs against the Panthers on Saturday night. That says a little something about the Panthers’ nickel defense. Carolina hasn’t invested much in its secondary, relying mostly on lower-round draft picks, undrafted players and low-cost aging veterans to fill those spots. The position is long overdue for an upgrade.</p>
<p>The Panthers cut cornerbacks Antoine Cason and Charles Godfrey midseason and used Colin Jones, a backup safety and lifelong special teams player, as their nickel back. The Panthers have the 25th pick in the NFL draft and cornerback and offensive tackle are clear areas of need.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Adding options </strong></p>
<p>The Panthers need to add some offensive options around Newton in the passing game. Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen both had 1,000-yard receiving seasons, but the team lacked a deep receiving threat.</p>
</p>
<p node="hl2"><strong>Williams’ future </strong></p>
<p>The Panthers have long had too much money invested in their running back position. They’re finally in a position where they could cut running back DeAngelo Williams, the team’s career leading rusher, and not have to take a huge salary cap hit. Jonathan Stewart re-emerged as a top-flight back, although he has had trouble staying healthy during his career.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-11/carolina-panthers-teammates-want-see-greg-hardy-back#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteSeattleThe Associated PressAmerican football in the United StatesCam NewtonCarolina PanthersCarolina PanthersCommissionerConvictioncornerbackdefensive endDefensive tackleDwan EdwardsGreg HardyGreg HardyJosh NormanNational Football LeagueNorth CarolinaPerson CareerplayerQuotationSports in North CarolinaUSDMon, 12 Jan 2015 00:06:30 +0000STEVE REED1081066 at http://savannahnow.comSorely tested Panthers still alive in playoffshttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-06/sorely-tested-panthers-still-alive-playoffs
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<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he’s never experienced a season like this one since he joined the NFL 30 years ago.</p>
<p>Carolina’s journey to the NFC divisional playoffs has included quarterback Cam Newton flipping his truck and being hospitalized with two fractures in his lower back, franchise defensive end Greg Hardy being convicted on two counts of domestic violence, and Rivera’s house catching fire and causing $500,000 worth of the damage five days before the biggest game of his coaching career.</p>
<p>“It has been different,” Rivera said. “You can’t make this stuff up.”</p>
<p>There’s been nothing ordinary or predictable about the Panthers on the field, either.</p>
<p>Carolina became the first NFL team to go more than two months without a victory and reach the playoffs. The Panthers won the NFC South despite a 7-8-1 record. And last Saturday, a defense that gave up 35 or more points in four of its first seven games held Arizona to 78 yards in the wild-card round, the fewest ever allowed in the NFL postseason.</p>
<p>Safety Roman Harper said he wasn’t expecting this type of adventure in his first season in Carolina. The Panthers visit Seattle (12-4) on Saturday with a trip to the NFC championship game on the line.</p>
<p>“It isn’t the prettiest thing, but we got a date to the prom at the end of the day,” Harper said, laughing. “We’re here. She’s probably not the best-looking one; she’s not going to win prom queen, but we’ll have a good time.”</p>
<p>The Panthers aren’t apologizing for their record.</p>
<p>In fact, in some ways they believe the season has toughened them and left them playoff ready.</p>
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<p node="hl2"><strong>Must-win situation </strong></p>
<p>They had to win their last four games just to get into the playoffs.</p>
<p>Newton has fought through ankle and rib injuries and the back fractures, and he has the Panthers on a five-game winning streak.</p>
<p>Rivera is already hunkered down preparing for Seattle while his wife handles the details of where he’ll live for the next 6-8 months while their burned-out home is rebuilt.</p>
<p>Hardy still isn’t eligible to play, but his absence paved the way for fellow defensive end Charles Johnson to step out of character and become one of the team’s vocal leaders.</p>
<p>Cornerback Josh Norman is convinced the Panthers have benefited from some divine intervention — particularly when it came to Newton’s accident.</p>
<p>“If it weren’t for God’s angel covering him in that truck, I don’t know what would have happened,” Norman said. “We could have been talking about missing our quarterback, our leader, forever. But he was blessed.”</p>
<p>The idea the Panthers are even still playing after a 3-8-1 start speaks volumes about the team, said center Ryan Kalil.</p>
<p>“Some strange things have come up,” Kalil said, “but it’s been very telling of the character and closeness of this team that whether it is something happening inside or outside the locker room, this is a group that stuck together and continue to work and work.”</p>
<p>Kalil said that is also a reflection of Rivera, the 2013 NFL Coach of the Year, for staying positive and keeping everyone together when it would have been easy to quit on the season.</p>
<p>Rivera said he never once lost faith in his team.</p>
<p>“At the end of the day you learn how to deal and cope with these things,” Rivera said, “and if you can keep your focus then you will have an opportunity and a chance.”</p>
<p>Then again, maybe Carolina’s season isn’t that unusual.</p>
<p>Former Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was asked about this year and simply laughed.</p>
<p>“Well, I played in New York,” Cotchery said, “so I won’t even go there.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-06/sorely-tested-panthers-still-alive-playoffs#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteSeattleThe Associated PressArizonaAtlanta FalconsCam NewtonCarolina PantherscoachConvictiondefensive endGreg HardyHarperJosh NormanMan Made DisasterNational Football LeagueNational Football LeagueNFC Championship GameNFC SouthNFC SouthNorth CarolinaPerson CareerquarterbackQuotationRon RiveraRon Riverathe NFC championshipthe NFLthe NFL 30USDTue, 06 Jan 2015 21:59:32 +0000STEVE REED1080602 at http://savannahnow.comNewton: Panthers must limit mistakes in playoffshttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-04/newton-panthers-must-limit-mistakes-playoffs
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14022309.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="217" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton said if the Panthers hope to make a deep playoff run they’ll need to cut down on mistakes and make more plays on offense.</p>
<p>Carolina turned over the ball three times on Saturday against Arizona but managed to escape with a 27-16 win thanks to a defense that limited quarterback Ryan Lindley and the Cardinals to 78 yards, the fewest allowed in NFL postseason history.</p>
<p>“Those things can’t happen, especially in playoff football. We can’t expect to win when we have three turnovers,” Newton said after his first career playoff win.</p>
<p>Newton praised his defense’s effort after the game, but didn’t appear too thrilled with the overall performance of the team.</p>
<p>The Panthers jumped to a 10-0 lead, but a muff by returner Brenton Bersin and a Newton interception — a play in which wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery ran the wrong route — led to two Arizona touchdowns, giving the Cardinals a 14-13 lead at halftime.</p>
<p>“Without finger pointing, it can’t happen,” Newton said.</p>
<p>Carolina players said it was frustrating to be down by one in the locker room knowing they had outgained Arizona 208-65.</p>
<p>“We started out fast on both sides of the ball and on special teams, but it kind of fizzled in the (middle of the game),” Newton said. “That fizzle can’t happen if we expect to do great things.”</p>
<p>Newton also had a fumble early in the fourth quarter with the Panthers up 27-14, giving the Cardinals the ball at the Carolina 8 with a chance to get back in the game. But All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly bailed him out by intercepting Lindley near the goal line on the next play.</p>
<p>“We have to play better than we have,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “We gave them an opportunity to stay in the game. ... We just have to be smarter than some of the things we did out there. We have to protect the football. It’s a very valuable thing.”</p>
<p>Kuechly finished with 10 tackles, drawing praise from tight end Greg Olsen.</p>
<p>“I know J.J. Watt is a great player, he’s phenomenal, but you can’t find a guy who impacts the game on defense like Luke,” Olsen said after the game. “The run game, the pass game, covering running backs. ... I mean the guy is unbelievable. Luke is the best defensive player I have ever played with. (Brian) Urlacher was like that ... a similar, dynamic kind of player, but Luke is that good already. He’s phenomenal.”</p>
<p>Newton finished the wild-card game 18 of 32 for 198 yards with two touchdown passes and two turnovers. He also ran seven times for 35 yards, picking up back-to-back first downs on third-and-long in the third quarter.</p>
<p>Newton and the offense could have more challenges moving forward.</p>
<p>Carolina could be without speedy wide receiver Philly Brown, who injured his left shoulder in the first half against Arizona and did not return. Brown was a late-season addition to the starting lineup and provided the Panthers with some much-needed speed and a legitimate deep threat.</p>
<p>The Panthers have not announced the extent of the injury.</p>
<p>Although the Panthers’ defense entered the record books, Kuechly stopped short of saying it was the best defensive effort he’s been a part of in Carolina. He wasn’t thrilled the Panthers gave up two touchdowns on quick change of possessions in the first half.</p>
<p>“I saw 14 points on the scoreboard at halftime and I said, ‘Dang, we need to play a little better. We can’t let up any more points at this point,’” Kuechly said.</p>
<p>The Panthers were 3-8-1 at one point in the season, but managed to fight back and win the NFC South to land a home playoff game. Despite their record, Newton said the Panthers aren’t satisfied after their first postseason win in nine years.</p>
<p>“We have a long way to go,” Newton said. “And we’re anticipating traveling and getting another big win next week.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2015-01-04/newton-panthers-must-limit-mistakes-playoffs#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteThe Associated PressAmerican footballArizonaBrenton BersinCam NewtonCam NewtonCarolina PantherscoachGreg OlsenJerricho CotcherylinebackerLuke KuechlyNational Football LeagueNational Football LeagueNFLNorth CarolinaPerson CareerplayerquarterbackQuotationRon RiveraRyan Lindleywide receiverSun, 04 Jan 2015 23:56:36 +0000STEVE REED1080471 at http://savannahnow.comGeorgia downs Louisville 37-14http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-30/georgia-downs-louisville-37-14
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011466.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="196" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14011468.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="209" /></div><p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When quarterback Hutson Mason went down with an injury in the second quarter, Georgia coach Mark Richt said the Bulldogs turned to plan B.</p>
<p>“Just give it to Nick,” Richt said with a wide smile.</p>
<p>Freshman Nick Chubb took over from there, running for a career-high 266 yards and two touchdowns as No. 13 Georgia defeated 20th-ranked Louisville 37-14 in the Belk Bowl on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>Chubb’s rushing total was second highest in school history, behind only Herschel Walker’s 283 yards rushing against Vanderbilt in 1980.</p>
<p>“That’s a blessing being in the same sentence with him,” Chubb said. “He’s a great running back. But I had an awesome line up front making everything possible for me. I’m thankful for everyone around me and it’s been a great season.”</p>
<p>With Chubb and four starting offensive linemen returning next season, the Georgia running game appears to be in good hands — even with Todd Gurley headed to the NFL.</p>
<p>Chubb finished his first season at Georgia by running for 1,323 yards and 12 touchdowns in last eight games after taking over as the primary ball carrier after the NCCA suspended Gurley for four games for taking $3,000 for autographed memorabilia and other items over two years. Gurley later sustained a season-ending knee injury in his first game back from the suspension.</p>
<p>Chubb averaged 8 yards per carry against Louisville and the Bulldogs (10-3) piled up 301 yards rushing against the nation’s second-best run defense.</p>
<p>“He showed everybody in the country that he’s a pretty talented&nbsp;kid, a tough kid,” Richt said.</p>
<p>He even impressed Louisville coach Bobby Petrino.</p>
<p>“He’s hard to tackle and has great vision,” Petrino said. “There were a number of times when we had guys there to make plays and he just ran over them. They also have a very good offensive line.”</p>
<p>Mason threw for 149 yards and a touchdown before leaving with blurred vision in the second quarter with the Bulldogs ahead 20-7. He was replaced by Brice Ramsey, whose primary duty was to hand the ball off to Chubb and watch him run.</p>
<p>Mason said after the game he didn’t have a concussion, but couldn’t see straight.</p>
<p>“Right now, I can look straight ahead and tell that, hey you have a blue scarf on,” Mason said to a reporter. “But beforehand, I couldn’t even tell you were right there. It was just super, super blurry. That’s dangerous when you’re out there and need your peripheral vision. The last thing I needed to do was go out there and take another shot, because my awareness wasn’t up to par.”</p>
<p>Georgia’s defense certainly contributed to the win.</p>
<p>They came up with three interceptions, two of those by Dominick Sanders.</p>
<p>Redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Bolin made his first career start for Louisville (9-4) and finished 20 of 40 for 300 yards with two interceptions and one touchdown. Backup Reggie Bonnafon threw one interception in limited playing time.</p>
<p>Brandon Radcliff ran for 91 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>“Our young quarterbacks learned that when you call plays and nobody is open you have to throw the ball the away and move on to the next play,” Petrino said.</p>
<p>The Bulldogs leaned heavily on the 5-foot-10, 228-pound Chubb after Mason left the game and Ramsey was intercepted on his first play from scrimmage.</p>
<p>Louisville’s defense came into the game allowing just 93.7 yards per game on the ground. Chubb nearly had that in the first half, rushing for 78 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown. He added an 82-yard run in the second half that led to another Georgia score.</p>
<p>Richt said Ramsey, who could be Georgia’s starting quarterback next season, made a few mistakes during the game but “overall he secured the ball well.”</p>
<p>The Bulldogs roared to a 20-7 lead in the first half as Mason found wide open flanker Chris Conley down the middle of the field for a 44-yard touchdown strike for a 7-0 lead. Chubb added a 31-yard scoring run.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Georgia 7 13 7 10 — 37</p>
<p>Louisville 7 0 7 0 — 14</p>
<p>First Quarter</p>
<p>Geo_Conley 44 pass from Mason (Morgan kick), 8:24.</p>
<p>Lou_Christian 11 pass from Bolin (Wallace kick), 4:25.</p>
<p>Second Quarter</p>
<p>Geo_FG Morgan 41, 11:33.</p>
<p>Geo_Chubb 31 run (Morgan kick), 6:40.</p>
<p>Geo_FG Morgan 22, 4:58.</p>
<p>Third Quarter</p>
<p>Geo_Michel 2 run (Morgan kick), 5:41.</p>
<p>Lou_Radcliff 6 run (Wallace kick), 1:48.</p>
<p>Fourth Quarter</p>
<p>Geo_FG Morgan 41, 5:20.</p>
<p>Geo_Chubb 8 run (Morgan kick), 2:02.</p>
<p>A_45,671.</p>
<p> Geo Lou</p>
<p>First downs 22 20</p>
<p>Rushes-yards 52-305 27-62</p>
<p>Passing 200 314</p>
<p>Comp-Att-Int 14-24-1 21-44-3</p>
<p>Return Yards 42 0</p>
<p>Punts-Avg. 2-41.0 6-37.5</p>
<p>Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-0</p>
<p>Penalties-Yards 4-32 7-44</p>
<p>Time of Possession 33:00 27:00</p>
<p>INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS</p>
<p>RUSHING_Georgia, Chubb 33-266, Michel 11-33, Douglas 5-5, Mason 2-2, Team 1-(minus 1). Louisville, Radcliff 19-89, Scott 2-2, Bonnafon 1-(minus 9), Bolin 5-(minus 20).</p>
<p>PASSING_Georgia, Mason 10-15-0-149, Ramsey 4-9-1-51. Louisville, Bolin 20-40-2-300, Bonnafon 1-3-1-14, R.Johnson 0-1-0-0.</p>
<p>RECEIVING_Georgia, Conley 4-80, Mitchell 3-19, Bennett 2-23, Blazevich 2-13, Michel 1-32, Scott-Wesley 1-19, Towns 1-14. Louisville, Parker 8-120, Rogers 5-81, Quick 2-57, Christian 2-25, Towbridge 2-21, De La Cruz 1-9, Radcliff 1-1.</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>GEORGIA’S BOWL HISTORY</strong></p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Record: 28-19-3</strong></p>
<p>Dec. 30, 2014 Belk Bowl_Georgia 37, Louisville 14</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2014 Gator Bowl_Nebraska 24, Georgia 19</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2013 Capital One Bowl_Georgia 45, Nebraska 31</p>
<p>Jan. 2, 2012 Outback Bowl_Michigan St. 33, Georgia 30, 3OT</p>
<p>Dec. 31, 2010 Liberty Bowl_UCF 10, Georgia 6</p>
<p>Dec. 28, 2009 Independence Bowl_Georgia 44, Texas A&amp;M 20</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2009 Capital One Bowl_Georgia 24, Michigan State 12</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2008 Sugar Bowl_Georgia 41, Hawaii 10</p>
<p>Dec. 30, 2006 Chick-fil-A Bowl_Georgia 31, Virginia Tech 24</p>
<p>Jan. 2, 2006 Sugar Bowl_West Virginia 38, Georgia 35</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2005 Outback Bowl_Georgia 24, Wisconsin 21</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2004 Capital One Bowl_Georgia 34, Purdue 27, OT</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2003 Sugar Bowl_Georgia 26, Florida St. 13</p>
<p>Dec. 28, 2001 Music City Bowl_Boston College 20, Georgia 16</p>
<p>Dec. 24, 2000 Oahu Bowl_Georgia 37, Virginia 14</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 2000 Outback Bowl_Georgia 28, Purdue 25, OT</p>
<p>Dec. 31, 1998 Peach Bowl_Georgia 35, Virginia 33</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1998 Outback Bowl_Georgia 33, Wisconsin 6</p>
<p>Dec. 30, 1995 Peach Bowl_Virginia 34, Georgia 27</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1993 Citrus Bowl_Georgia 21, Ohio St. 14</p>
<p>Dec. 29, 1991 Independence Bowl_Georgia 24, Arkansas 15</p>
<p>Dec. 30, 1989 Peach Bowl_Syracuse 19, Georgia 18</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1989 Gator Bowl_Georgia 34, Michigan St. 27</p>
<p>Dec. 29, 1987 Liberty Bowl_Georgia 20, Arkansas 17</p>
<p>Dec. 23, 1986 Hall of Fame Bowl_Boston College 27, Georgia 24</p>
<p>Dec. 28, 1985 Sun Bowl_Georgia 13, Arizona 13, tie</p>
<p>Dec. 22, 1984 Citrus Bowl_Georgia 17, Florida St. 17, tie</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1984 Cotton Bowl_Georgia 10, Texas 9</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1983 Sugar Bowl_Penn St. 27, Georgia 23</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1982 Sugar Bowl_Pittsburgh 24, Georgia 20</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1981 Sugar Bowl_Georgia 17, Notre Dame 10</p>
<p>Dec. 31, 1978 Bluebonnet Bowl_Stanford 25, Georgia 22</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1977 Sugar Bowl_Pittsburgh 27, Georgia 3</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1976 Cotton Bowl_Arkansas 31, Georgia 10</p>
<p>Dec. 21, 1974 Tangerine Bowl_Miami, Ohio 21, Georgia 10</p>
<p>Dec. 28, 1973 Peach Bowl_Georgia 17, Maryland 16</p>
<p>Dec. 31, 1971 Gator Bowl_Georgia 7, North Carolina 3</p>
<p>Dec. 20, 1969 Sun Bowl_Nebraska 45, Georgia 6</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1969 Sugar Bowl_Arkansas 16, Georgia 2</p>
<p>Dec. 16, 1967 Liberty Bowl_N.C. Stats 14, Georgia 7</p>
<p>Dec. 31, 1966 Cotton Bowl_Georgia 24, Southern Methodist 9</p>
<p>Dec. 26, 1964 Sun Bowl_Georgia 7, Texas Tech 0</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1960 Orange Bowl_Georgia 14, Missouri 0</p>
<p>Dec. 9, 1950 Presidential Cup_Texas A&amp;M 40, Georgia 20</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1949 Orange Bowl_Texas 41, Georgia 28</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1948 Gator Bowl_Maryland 20, Georgia 20, tie</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1947 Sugar Bowl_Georgia 20, North Carolina 10</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1946 Oil Bowl_Georgia 20, Tulsa 6</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1943 Rose Bowl_Georgia 9, UCLA 0</p>
<p>Jan. 1, 1942 Orange Bowl_Georgia 40, Texas Christian 26</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-30/georgia-downs-louisville-37-14#commentsSportsSECSTEVE REEDTechnologyCharlotteLouisvilleBelkThe Associated PressAmerican footballArkansasBobby PetrinoBrandon RadcliffBrice RamseyCapital One BowlChick-fil-A BowlChris ConleycoachCollege footballContact DetailsDominick SandersGator BowlGeorgiaHerschel WalkerHutson MasonKyle BolinMark RichtMark RichtMichiganNational Football LeagueNick ChubbNorth Carolinaoffensive linemenOutback BowlPerson CareerquarterbackQuotationReggie Bonnafonreporterrunning backSugar BowltackleTechnologyTexasthe NFLTodd GurleyUSDWed, 31 Dec 2014 03:28:18 +0000STEVE REED1080082 at http://savannahnow.comLouisville mum on QB starter against Georgiahttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-29/louisville-mum-qb-starter-against-georgia
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Coach Bobby Petrino won’t say who will start at quarterback for Louisville in the Belk Bowl. He will concede this: Both Reggie Bonnafon and Kyle Bolin will play against Georgia.</p>
<p>“We’re going to let you see when they run out there who the starter is,” Petrino said with a coy smile Monday.</p>
<p>Bonnafon, a freshman, became Louisville’s starter Nov. 8 after Will Gardner tore his anterior cruciate ligament. He has started five games but injured his knee in the season finale against Kentucky. That’s when Bolin, a redshirt freshman, stepped in and threw for 381 yards and three touchdowns, rallying the Cardinals (9-3, 5-3 ACC, No. 21 CFP) to a 44-40 victory.</p>
<p>Both quarterbacks took reps last week in practice.</p>
<p>“We’re real fortunate that we have two guys who have playing experience and have won big games for us,” Petrino said.</p>
<p>Petrino said the team’s plan for Tuesday night’s game is subject to change.</p>
<p>“If somebody is hot, you keep him in </p>
<p>there and give him more reps,” he said.</p>
<p>Neither Louisville quarterback attended media day. They were unavailable for comment.</p>
<p>Offensive lineman Jamon Brown said even the players don’t know who’ll start.</p>
<p>“Whoever is in we are 100 percent behind them, but we are anxious as anybody to find out who is the starter,” Brown said. “Coach Petrino does a good job of not tipping his hand.”</p>
<p>The two quarterbacks bring different styles. Bonnafon is more of a running quarterback who brings the read option into play. Bolin’s strength is his passing ability.</p>
<p>Some things to watch between No. 13 Georgia and No. 20 Louisville:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>New play caller </strong></p>
<p>Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason joked that practice has been a “tad bit quieter” this week with former offensive coordinator Mike Bobo leaving to become head coach at Colorado State. That means tight ends coach John Lilly will be handling play-calling for the Bulldogs (9-3, 6-2 SEC, No. 13 CFP).</p>
<p>“It is a little different when you are with a guy for five years and you are used to having him in your ear,” Mason said.</p>
<p>Mason described Lilly as “calmer.”</p>
<p>Georgia coach Mark Richt said he has spent more time than usual this week with the quarterbacks discussing strategy now that Bobo is gone.</p>
<p>Richt said the team hasn’t begun its search for a new offensive coordinator.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Parker factor </strong></p>
<p>Regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Cardinals, they’ll undoubtedly be looking to get the ball to wide receiver DeVante Parker, who may be the most dangerous player on the field.</p>
<p>The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Parker battled through a broken foot early in the season and caught 35 passes 735 yards and five touchdowns in just five games.</p>
<p>“He is a big, physical presence and a guy who is a mismatch for really any defensive back in the country,” Richt said. “He’s going to be very difficult to deal with.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Dyer ineligible </strong></p>
<p>Louisville senior running back Michael Dyer’s college career will end unceremoniously after he was ruled academically ineligible for the Belk Bowl.</p>
<p>Dyer transferred to Louisville last year from Arkansas Baptist College and was the fourth-leading rusher for the Cardinals with 481 yards and five touchdowns. The former Auburn star rushed for more than 1,000 yards in both of his seasons with the Tigers and was named the MVP of the 2011 BCS championship game.</p>
<p>Brandon Radcliff is expected to start for Louisville.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Letting it go </strong></p>
<p>Mason and others on the Bulldogs roster have the challenge of moving past a heartbreaking loss to Georgia Tech, which came two days after a Missouri win took the Bulldogs out of the running for the SEC championship game.</p>
<p>“It stinks,” Mason said. “You throw a pick against Tech and you have to remember that for the rest of your life.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Familiar face </strong></p>
<p>The Bulldogs will face a familiar face in Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who held that same position at Georgia from 2010-2013.</p>
<p>“We’re not exactly sure what he’s going to do,” Richt said. “Most people will run what they ran all year. But I’m sure Todd will have some things up his sleeve.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-29/louisville-mum-qb-starter-against-georgia#commentsSportsSECSTEVE REEDTechnologyCharlotteLouisvilleBelkThe Associated PressAmerican footballBobby PetrinoBobby PetrinoCFPChris RedmanCollege footballcoordinatorDevante ParkerFootballGeorgiaHutson MasonJamon BrownKentuckyKyle BolinLouisville Cardinals footballMark RichtMark RichtMichael DyerMike BoboMike BoboNorth Carolinaoffensive linemanPerson CareerPetrinoquarterbackQuotationReggie BonnafonSports in Louisville, KentuckyTechnologyTodd GranthamU.S. Securities and Exchange CommissionMon, 29 Dec 2014 21:09:53 +0000STEVE REED1079966 at http://savannahnow.comCarolina Panthers RB Williams probable vs. Falcons http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-26/carolina-panthers-rb-williams-probable-vs-falcons
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14001106.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="227" /><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/14002256.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="187" /></div></p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers might be getting some extra help in the backfield Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with the NFC South championship on the line.</p>
<p>Running back DeAngelo Williams is listed as probable after missing the last three games with a broken hand. Williams practiced fully all week with a cast on his hand. Coach Ron Rivera said he still has some concern whether the franchise’s all-time leading rusher will be able to stand up to pass protection and catch the ball with the injury.</p>
<p>“He has taken a lot of reps, but there are still a few things we want to see more than anything else,” Rivera said Friday.</p>
<p>Rivera said the team will “do some things on the side” with Williams to test him out before making a final decision on his playing status, but wouldn’t elaborate.</p>
<p>The fourth-year coach remained coy about the team’s plans for Sunday, but it’s expected the Panthers will rely heavily on Jonathan Stewart. Rivera said Stewart is running as well as he’s ever seen him run in recent weeks. Stewart is averaging 109.2 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry over the last four games.</p>
<p>When asked if Stewart would still see the vast majority of reps on Sunday, Rivera said “we will call the plays accordingly as to who is supposed to be in there.”</p>
<p>Williams has missed nine games due to injuries. He has 219 yards rushing on 62 carries this year.</p>
<p>Stewart leads the team with 760 yards rushing and three touchdowns.</p>
<p>If healthy enough to play, Williams gives the Panthers an experienced backup in a winner-take-all game.</p>
<p>Despite going more than two months without a victory this season, Carolina enters Week 17 in first place and needing a win or tie Sunday at Atlanta to repeat as division champions and earn a first-round home game. If the Panthers (6-8-1) beat the Falcons (6-9) in Week 17, they seal the division title, but they lost to their division rivals earlier this season.</p>
<p>Carolina’s injury report is surprisingly thin for a Week 17 game, with outside linebacker A.J. Klein (ankle) the only other player listed on the report. He is questionable. Rookie Adarius Glanton will make his second straight start if Klein can’t play.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-26/carolina-panthers-rb-williams-probable-vs-falcons#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteThe Associated PressA.J. KleinAmerican football in the United StatesAtlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsCarolina PanthersCarolina Panthers seasoncoachDeAngelo WilliamsDeAngelo WilliamsJonathan StewartNational Football LeagueNFC SouthNFC SouthNorth CarolinaPerson CareerQuotationRon Riverarunning backSports in the United StatesFri, 26 Dec 2014 23:03:56 +0000STEVE REED1079743 at http://savannahnow.comCarolina Panthers' Gano eager for more kicks vs. Falconshttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-25/carolina-panthers-gano-eager-more-kicks-vs-falcons
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13998500.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="195" /></div></p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Graham Gano is hoping for another chance against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.</p>
<p>“I hope this one comes down to a game-winning kick,” the Carolina Panthers’ 27-year-old kicker said. “Those are the kicks you dream of, so I hope I get another shot.”</p>
<p>Gano missed a potential game-winning 46-yard field-goal try last month against the Falcons with 1:27 remaining and had a 63-yarder blocked as time expired. The Panthers lost 19-17.</p>
<p>Had Carolina won that game, it would have already clinched the NFC South division.</p>
<p>Instead, the Panthers need a win or tie at Atlanta to become the first team to repeat as NFC South champions.</p>
<p>The Panthers (6-8-1) enter the game in first place, but the Falcons (6-9) can pass them with a win. The winner will host a playoff game.</p>
<p>Gano signed a four-year, $12.4 million extension last offseason after he turned in a career year, converting 24 of 27 field goals, including all six from 50 yards and beyond. He’s made 27 of 33 field-goal attempts this season, but has a miss in each of his past two games.</p>
<p>Panthers coach Ron Rivera said his confidence in Gano hasn’t wavered. Rivera said misses are going to happen.</p>
<p>“He’ll come to me and say something about it and I will just say, ‘I’ve got all of the confidence in the world in you,’” Rivera said. “The truth of the matter is he’s going to get an opportunity to win a big one for us, whether it’s this week of some other time. The key for him is being focused and ready. This game is about as big as it gets, so who knows?”</p>
<p>Gano’s 46-yard miss on Nov. 16 against the Falcons was a tough blow for the Panthers — and the fans in their home stadium — after Cam Newton had driven the team into field-goal range with a series of pass completions.</p>
<p>Figuring they could count on Gano, the Panthers went with three conservative plays calls after reaching the Atlanta 32. The three runs netted just 4 yards.</p>
<p>The strategy failed when the right-footed Gano hooked the 46-yarder wide left.</p>
<p>Gano said it took him “about 2 seconds” to put the kick behind him. He got another shot as time expired and felt like he hit the 63-yarder well, but it was low coming out and blocked.</p>
<p>Like a cornerback who gets beat on a deep pass, Gano said kickers have to have short memories.</p>
<p>“If you don’t then you won’t last very long in this league,” Gano said. “I’ve faced adversity before and you have to handle it and move on.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-25/carolina-panthers-gano-eager-more-kicks-vs-falcons#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDAtlantaCharlotteThe Associated PressAmerican football in the United StatesAtlanta FalconsCarolina PanthersCarolina PanthersCarolina Panthers seasonGraham GanoGraham GanoKICKERNational Football LeagueNFC SouthNorth CarolinaPerson CareerQuotationRon RiveraUSDThu, 25 Dec 2014 23:09:36 +0000STEVE REED1079664 at http://savannahnow.comPanthers to lean on Stewart against Falconshttp://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-23/panthers-lean-stewart-against-falcons
<div><img src="http://sav-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/13994056.jpg" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb imagecache-default imagecache-story_slideshow_thumb_default" width="280" height="191" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In their quest to become the first team to repeat as NFC South champions, the Carolina Panthers will lean heavily on healthy running back Jonathan Stewart.</p>
<p>Stewart has run for 437 yards on 78 carries — a 5.6-yard average — in the past four games, helping Carolina vault back into first place in the NFC South.</p>
<p>The Panthers (6-8-1) will play at Atlanta (6-9) on Sunday with the winner taking home the division title and securing a first-round home game in the playoffs.</p>
<p>“He’s gone through an awful lot with his ankles and health-wise, so for him to be at this point in the season and feel healthy like he is is really good for us,” coach Ron Rivera said.</p>
<p>That hasn’t always been the case.</p>
<p>Stewart missed 17 of 32 games the previous two seasons while battling ankle and knee injuries. He finished both seasons on injured reserve.</p>
<p>Stewart came on to the NFL scene as a rookie in 2008, rushing for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns. He followed that by racking up 1,133 yards rushing and 10 more touchdowns the following season.</p>
<p>Stewart, who has spent most of his career behind DeAngelo Williams on the Panthers’ depth chart, has never come close to matching those numbers since.</p>
<p>This season he has a team-high 760 yards and three touchdowns, but his production down the stretch has the Panthers excited about their chances on Sunday — and possibly beyond.</p>
<p>“When he’s healthy he is as good as there is,” tight end Greg Olsen said. “He can take a beating and he dishes it out pretty good. At the end of the game, he’s a guy the defense isn’t really thrilled to tackle.”</p>
<p>Stewart only carried seven times for 24 yards in a backup role in Carolina’s 19-17 loss to Atlanta on Nov. 19. Williams had 10 carries for 41 yards.</p>
<p>Since then, he’s run for 85 yards against Minnesota, 155 against New Orleans, 73 against Tampa Bay and 122 last Sunday against Cleveland. He also caught a fourth-quarter pass from Cam Newton for the go-ahead touchdown against the Browns, helping the Panthers win their third straight game and take control of their playoff destiny.</p>
<p>Stewart’s rise is partially related to the offensive line finding stability the past month and getting an opportunity with Williams sidelined with a broken right hand.</p>
<p>Williams is back at practice wearing a cast on his hand, but Rivera is expected to stick with the hot hand in Stewart on Sunday.</p>
<p>“Stew(art) is hitting the holes, making the right reads and the offensive line is blocking their (butts) off too,” fullback Mike Tolbert said. “He’s a guy that has had opportunities during his career, but has had some ups and downs with injuries. Now he is getting his chance to shine and making the most of it.”</p>
<p>The 5-foot-10, 235-pound Stewart can be a punishing rusher with a hard running style, low center of gravity and quick burst.</p>
<p>And he’s quite capable of a big game.</p>
<p>His 206 yards rushing against the New York Giants in the 2009 regular-season finale stands as the second-highest single-game total in franchise history.</p>
<p>Despite missing three games earlier this season with a knee injury, he has 390 rushing yards after contact this season, which is 18th-most in the NFL, according to STATS.</p>
<p>Offensive coordinator Mike Shula said he’s never seen the soft-spoken, piano-playing Stewart play better.</p>
<p>“He’s quiet, but when you see that look in his eye, he has a fire,” Shula said. “And when that gets lit, and it is lit right now, it is fun to be around him and watch him. He is running well and is tough to bring down.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-23/panthers-lean-stewart-against-falcons#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDAtlantaCharlotteThe Associated PressAdrian PetersonAmerican footballAmerican football in the United StatesCam NewtonCarolina PanthersCarolina PantherscoachDeAngelo WilliamsDeAngelo WilliamsGreg OlsenJonathan StewartJonathan StewartMike ShulaMike TolbertNational Football LeagueNational Football LeagueNFC SouthNick GoingsNorth CarolinaPerson CareerQuotationRon Riverarunning backthe NFLTue, 23 Dec 2014 22:19:58 +0000STEVE REED1079455 at http://savannahnow.comPanthers coach Rivera: Newton 'probably' will start vs. Browns http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-18/panthers-coach-rivera-newton-probably-will-start-vs-browns
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<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers’ Cam Newton will “probably” start Sunday against the Cleveland Browns barring any physical setbacks this week, Carolina coach Ron Rivera said after the quarterback practiced on Thursday.</p>
<p>The team increased Newton’s workload and Rivera said the fourth-year QB seemed to handle it well. However, the coach was hesitant on naming Newton the starter in case he begins to experience soreness in his back.</p>
<p>“I would say he is on target” to start, Rivera said. “He had a good day and took the reps he was supposed to.”</p>
<p>Newton was a full participant in practice Thursday, nine days after he was involved in a two-vehicle crash that left him hospitalized for one night with two fractures in his lower back.</p>
<p>He declared himself pain-free after the workout.</p>
<p>“If I can play, we all know I want to play,” Newton said. “But at the end of the day I won’t jeopardize what we have the opportunity to do just because of my selfishness to say, ‘Oooh, I’m a tough man.’”</p>
<p>Unlike in past weeks when Newton was bothered by injuries and came right out and said definitely he wanted to play, the two-time Pro Bowler was more reserved about his playing status.</p>
<p>He repeatedly said he didn’t want to be a distraction.</p>
<p>Derek Anderson started last week against Tampa Bay and led the Panthers to a 19-17 win. Anderson is 2-0 as the starter, but both wins have come against the 2-11 Buccaneers.</p>
<p>“I’m fine either way it goes,” Newton said of Rivera’s impending decision on the starting quarterback. “I don’t want this to be a distraction. We have our hands full getting prepared for a great team in Cleveland. We aren’t worried about who will start at quarterback. I think we’re both ready.”</p>
<p>Rivera said Newton probably answered the question in that manner because “he probably didn’t want to put any pressure on me — and I appreciate that.”</p>
<p>Newton is having a down year by his own standards, throwing for a career-low 2,812 yards with 16 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions while recovering from offseason ankle surgery and fractured ribs during the preseason.</p>
<p>Rivera reiterated he wouldn’t risk exposing Newton to injury if he’s not ready to play.</p>
<p>But he said all signs point to the 25-year-old making a quicker than expected comeback.</p>
<p>Newton completed a 65-yard pass during practice on Thursday that Rivera called a thing of beauty. Rivera said Newton also made a leaping one-handed grab on Wednesday when tight end Greg Olsen threw a ball back to the quarterback following a play.</p>
<p>Rivera said Newton reported to work Thursday feeling good after trainers put him through a tough day of work on Wednesday.</p>
<p>“He’s looked pretty good and now we’ll see how he is” on Friday, Rivera said. “We increased his reps and did some different things with him today. They put him through a pretty rigorous workout.”</p>
<p>Rivera said he would like to officially name a starter as soon as possible.</p>
<p>The Panthers (5-8-1) are a half-game behind the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South with two games remaining in the season. They can win the division with two wins and a Saints loss.</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-18/panthers-coach-rivera-newton-probably-will-start-vs-browns#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteTAMPAThe Associated PressCam NewtonCam NewtonCleveland BrownsCleveland BrownscoachDerek AndersonDerek AndersonNational Football LeagueNorth CarolinaPerson CareerquarterbackQuotationRon RiveraRon RiveraThu, 18 Dec 2014 22:11:13 +0000STEVE REED1079091 at http://savannahnow.comPanthers' Cam Newton not worried about when he'll play http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-11/panthers-cam-newton-not-worried-about-when-hell-play
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<p>CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cam Newton is not worried about when he’ll return to the football field — he said he’s just happy to be alive.</p>
<p>The Panthers quarterback returned to the team’s facility Thursday, two days after a two-car accident left him with two fractures in his lower back. He did not practice and his playing status will be reevaluated next week.</p>
<p>“As far as when I’m coming back, who cares? I’m just thankful to have breath in my lungs,” Newton said as he stood behind a podium during a seven-minute press conference.</p>
<p>Newton won’t play Sunday against Tampa Bay, Derek Anderson will start at quarterback.</p>
<p>That’s fine with Newton, who feels blessed to not have been injured worse — or killed.</p>
<p>“I’m on somebody’s fantasy (football) league and I think it’s the man upstairs,” Newton said.</p>
<p>Newton arrived at the stadium Thursday morning and attended some team meetings, watched film and began rehabilitation with the training staff. He said his back remains a little stiff, but otherwise feels great.</p>
<p>Newton said he doesn’t think the other driver saw him as he pulled out into traffic onto the one-way street where the quarterback was driving, about a block from the team’s stadium.</p>
<p>Newton said the other car clipped the side of his slightly elevated 1998 Dodge truck, causing him to spin and the truck to overturn. Newton said he was conscious for the entire accident, but isn’t sure how many times his vehicle flipped.</p>
<p>He said the air bags did deploy in his truck.</p>
<p>“The one thing I remember is that I couldn’t talk afterward because I was in such shock,” Newton said. </p>
<p>“In my book one plus one always equals two,” he continued. “And I’m looking at this truck and this accident and like, dude, one plus one doesn’t equal two. I’m like, hey, somebody is supposed to be dead.”</p>
<p>Newton said he didn’t feel any immediate pain, but as his adrenaline started to wear off his lower back began to tighten.</p>
<p>Newton said he’s not sure how long he will be out of action.</p>
<p>He made the decision to come to the stadium to put other people’s minds at ease and doesn’t want to be a distraction.</p>
<p>“My presence not only helped others but it helped me,” Newton said.</p>
<p>Teammates said they were thrilled to see Newton.</p>
<p>Anderson said he gave Newton a “light hug” when he saw him in the training room.</p>
<p>“I think it was an eye-opener for him,” Anderson said of the experience.</p>
<p>Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the best-case scenario is Newton could return to action Dec. 21 against Cleveland, but added it will largely be up to the former No. 1 overall pick’s pain threshold.</p>
<p>The Panthers are half-game out of first place in the NFC South despite a 4-8-1 record after a 41-10 victory over New Orleans last Sunday. They could take over control of the division if they beat the Bucs (2-11) and the Saints and Falcons lose.</p>
<p>Anderson, who is 19-25 as an NFL starter, said he’s excited for the opportunity to play in such a big game.</p>
<p>“Obviously the circumstances aren’t ideal but I’ve had a good two days to try get on the same page with everybody,” Anderson said.</p>
<p>Anderson said the injury could bring the Panthers closer together as a team as the season winds down. He said it’s one of the tightest locker rooms he’s been around in during his 10 seasons in the league and the show of love and support for Newton was noticeable.</p>
<p>“Guys genuinely care about his well-being first and foremost,” Anderson said. </p>
<p>“And those things kind of bring guys together.”</p>
<p>Tight end Greg Olsen said Newton was in good spirits as he passed through the locker room.</p>
<p>“I think it’s good for him to get back around the guys and get in a normal routine,” Olsen said. “It’s good to see guys him get back because it means things are getting back to normal.”</p>
http://savannahnow.com/sports/2014-12-11/panthers-cam-newton-not-worried-about-when-hell-play#commentsSportsSTEVE REEDCharlotteTAMPAThe Associated PressAmerican footballCam NewtonCam NewtonCollege footballDerek Andersondriverfacility ThursdayFootballGreg OlsenNewton, KansasNewton, MassachusettsNorth CarolinaPerson CareerPerson TravelquarterbackQuotationstadium ThursdayFri, 12 Dec 2014 01:04:58 +0000STEVE REED1078530 at http://savannahnow.com